sandpiper

noun

sand·​pip·​er ˈsan(d)-ˌpī-pər 

: any of various small shorebirds (family Scolopacidae, the sandpiper family) distinguished from the related plovers chiefly by the longer and soft-tipped bill

Illustration of sandpiper

Examples of sandpiper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For birdwatchers in particular, the downy woodpecker, purple martin and spotted sandpiper are just a few of the species that might make an appearance, while native mammals range from the red fox to the river otter—but the park is perhaps best known for its diverse array of reptiles. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

Just sandpipers skimming the surf, green sea turtles digging moonlit nests — and, every so often, Richard Gere strolling on the beach. —Kathryn Romeyn, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2025

Not an eclipsed sunrise but flocks of sandpipers and other shorebirds flocking against a reddening dawn sky. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Wild birds like ducks, geese, swans, storks, plovers, sandpipers, gulls and terns are all susceptible to bird flu. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sandpiper

• upland sandpiper

Rhymes for sandpiper

• diaper
• hyper
• piper
• riper
• sniper
• viper
• wiper

Kids Definition

sandpiper

noun

sand·​pip·​er -ˌpī-pər 

: any of numerous small shorebirds with usually long bills and legs